Dr Mohammed Hammou. Tropicalist doctor and medical entomologist: “prevention is always of capital importance”

Interview by Sofia Ouahib

Do you think it is possible that the epidemic crosses the borders. Furthermore, arrives with us? In addition, – Dr mohammed hammou. For example, tropicalist doctor

Indeed, Algeria runs a considerable risk. For example, There is a conjunction of several worrying factors. Consequently, First of all, the Tiger mosquito, already present in 60% of the northern country, is a proven bearer of viruses. In addition, Hong Kong, located near the epidemic area, has already identified an imported first case. However, Also. Moreover. Similarly. Furthermore, the intensification of trade between China and Algeria increases the risk of introducing an infected mosquito or a person carrying the virus. However. Therefore. Meanwhile, Let dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor us not forget that the Algerians do not have immunity against this virus, which makes their dr mohammed hammou. Similarly, tropicalist doctor population more likely. However, We also remember the chikungunya epidemic in Reunion in 2005-2006. Moreover, It had caused 244,000 cases, which illustrates the speed with which dr mohammed hammou. Therefore, tropicalist doctor the virus can spread. Meanwhile, Ultimately. However. Consequently. Similarly, the increase in cases of the Western Nile virus in Algeria highlights how exposed to the viruses transmitted by mosquitoes.

What is the risk of regional spread? Therefore, – Dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor

The risk is great for the nations of the Mediterranean Basin. However. North Africa. due to favorable factors, such as the proliferation of Aedes Albopictus, global warming which promotes the expansion of mosquito adaptation zones, as well as the circulation of populations (tourism, trade, migration). Furthermore,

Which people are at risk? Meanwhile,

The serious forms dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor mainly affect people over the age of 65. Meanwhile, children under 1 year old, pregnant women and immunocompromised, with risks of transmission and dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor prolonged evolution. Moreover, Chronic forms affect around 40% of adults, especially those with rheumatic history and over 40 years old.

What should I do if I contract chikungunya? However,

The treatment is exclusively symptomatic and is done under the dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor supervision of a doctor. Use standard antipyretics and pain relievers. It is necessary to rehydrate and ensure adequate consumption of liquids. During the acute phase, it is imperative to rest. Clinical monitoring is essential to identify serious cases: encephalopathy, hemorrhages (infrequent). Individuals at risk, such as the elderly, those with comorbidities or pregnancy, must benefit from increased attention. It is essential not to neglect individual. collective protection against mosquitoes no later than 7 days after the appearance of symptoms. dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor It is imperative to make a declaration to the health authorities.

Is there a vaccine against chikungunya?

Yes, two vaccines are available. The first is a living attenuated vaccine. dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor A single dose, authorized in Europe since June 2024 and available in France since November 2024. However, it is contraindicated for people over 65 (risk of vaccine disease). Its effectiveness is more than 95% of seroconversion. The second is an inactivated pseudo-viral vaccine. dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor It has been authorized in Europe since February 2025. It can be used in immunocompromised.

Is chikungunya similar to dengue?

Chikungunya and dengue share several characteristics, such as their common vector (Aedes Aegypti and A. Albopictus), similar symptoms (fever, headache, muscle pain) and identical geographic regions (tropical and subtropical zones). However, they are distinguished by several aspects. It is impossible to be reinfected with chikungunya, however dengue, which has four dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor serotypes, can lead to a new infection. One of the major symptoms of chikungunya is intense joint pain. while that of dengue is mainly characterized by nausea and vomiting. Chikungunya generally leads to dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor chronic complications, these manifest in a sharp and hemorrhagic way, with regard to dengue. Asymptomatic forms affect 10-40% of cases of Chikungunya, compared to 50-90% for dengue.

• Do mosquitoes transmit both diseases?

Yes, the same species transmit the two viruses. Aedes Aegypti is the main vector in tropical dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor regions. Aedes Albopictus is the secondary vector in temperate areas like Algeria. The same mosquito can theoretically transmit the two viruses successively, but not simultaneously.

• Can there be a maternity-fetal transmission?

Yes. the vertical transmission (from mother to child) is documented. with a maximum risk of 50 % if the maternal viremic occurs 2 days before childbirth. The overall risk dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor for all pregnancy is less than 3 %. Additionally, The neonatal consequences can be serious. with 50 % of infected newborns with severe forms, including encephalopathies and complications such as hemorrhages and thrombopenia. Attentive neonatal surveillance is therefore dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor essential. In early pregnancy, no teratogenic effect has been confirmed.

• What do you think are the preventive measures to take?

Verctors control implies the removal of reproduction places (stagnant waters. containers), monitoring of larval densities and, if necessary, the application of sprays to eliminate adult insects. Personal protection includes the use of repulsive products dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor such as deet. wearing long clothes. the use of treated mosquito nets. avoiding periods of high activity in mosquitoes, early in the morning and at the end of the afternoon. At the community level. it is essential to promote the suppression of domestic shelters. to establish an epidemiological surveillance dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor system to identify cases at an early stage. to ensure appropriate preparation of hospitals for treatment.

• How to protect yourself specifically?

The overall strategy for Algeria revolves around several axes. First of all. on an individual level. the use of appropriate repellents depending dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor on age. duration of exposure, the abolition of domestic reproductive sites and reinforced vigilance from May to November, during which the tiger mosquito is the most active. In the professional field. continuous training focused on the differential diagnosis of arboviroses. clinical monitoring with early reporting of suspicious cases, as well as cooperation between entomology and clinicians are dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor essential. At the institutional scale. it is essential to intensify surveillance using an early alert system. plan the supply of vaccines and to design response strategies incorporating intervention procedures into emergency situations. Prevention is always of capital importance. and Algeria has an dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor additional time to strengthen its resources before the possible appearance of the virus.

Bio express

Doctor Mohammed Hammou is a tropicalist doctor. medical entomologist. he is also a resource person of the World Health Organization. President of Arab Union of Pest Control and Sivements dr mohammed hammou. tropicalist doctor Services.